Steroids
The term �steroid� is applied to a group of naturally occurring or synthetic
fat-soluble organic compounds (lipids), whose structure is chemically based on a
steroid nucleus - a hydrogenated cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring system
(seventeen carbon atoms arranged in four rings). Many hormones, body
constituents and drugs are steroids. All the corticosteroid hormones of the
adrenal cortex (glucocorticoids or mineralocorticoids), all the sex hormones
(sex hormones are found in higher quantities in one sex than in the other; male
sex hormones are androgens, which include testosterone; female sex hormones are
estrogens and progesterone), all vitamins of the Vitamin D group (calciferol),
the bile acids (ursodeoxycholic acid and analogues), cardiac aglycones, sterols
like cholesterol, toad poison, saponins, some carcinogenic hydrocarbons, some
corticosteroid drugs like prednisone are all steroids. Synthetic chemical
analogues of many of the naturally occurring steroids are vital in medicine.
Both natural and synthetic steroids are used to treat many disorders and play a
vital role in the normal functioning of the body.
Types of Steroids
Steroidal drugs may be of three types � anabolic, androgenic and cortico
steroids. Anabolic steroids are chemically derived from testosterone.
Many attempts were made to separate the anabolic effects of the hormones from
their androgenic effects, but with little success. Thus anabolic compounds may
cause androgenic side effects, especially when used for extended periods.
Androgenic Steroids
Anabolic effects are seen as the growth or thickening of the body�s
non-reproductive tract tissues including the skeletal muscles, bones, the larynx
and vocal chords and a decrease in body fat. Androgenic steroid effects
are seen in the growth of the male reproductive tract and the development of
male secondary sexual characteristics. Medically, anabolic steroids were given
for osteoporosis in women but it not recommended nowadays. They can also be used
to treat the vascular manifestations of Beh�et�s disease, for hereditary
angioedema, to treat aplastic anemia and to reduce the itching of chronic
biliary obstruction.
Cortico Steroids
Cortico steroid is a generic name for the group of hormones that have a
Cortisone-like action. They are man-made steroids that mimic the activity of
cortisone. Cortisone is produced naturally in the body and is involved in
regulating inflammation, thus dealing with injury. Thus corticosteroids are not
the same as anabolic steroids. Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of many
diseases like
asthma, eczema, allergies, arthritis, colitis and kidney disease.
Anabolic Steroids
The large muscle mass of males is because of the nitrogen-retaining effects of
androgen. They may have a property of protein building and when taken lead to an
increase in muscle bulk and strength. The term �anabolic� is derived from a
Greek word that means to �build up�. Though the proper term is �
anabolic-androgenic� steroids, anabolic steroids is most familiar to
people. Street names: roids, juice, Arnolds,hype, weight trainers, gym candy, or
pumpers.
Anabolic steroids were developed in the late 1930s to
treat hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is a condition in which the testes do not
produce sufficient testosterone for normal growth, development and sexual
functioning. The primary medical uses of anabolic steroids are to treat delayed
puberty, some types of impotence, and wasting of the body caused by
HIV-infection or other diseases. Around the same time, scientists discovered
that these compounds could facilitate the growth of skeletal muscles in
laboratory animals, which led to their use first by bodybuilders and
weightlifters, then by athletes in other sports.
While anabolic steroids are illegal without a prescription,
steroidal supplements can be bought over-the-counter legally. Such supplements
are more commonly called dietary supplements, though they are not food products.
Steroidal supplements contain dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and/or
androstenedione � street name �andro�. If large quantities of steroidal
supplements substantially increase testosterone levels in the body, they might
most likely produce the same side effects as anabolic steroids. It is important
to know that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate these
substances. Hence, they are not held to the same strict standards as drugs.
Effects of Steroids
Medically, anabolic steroids may be used for many purpose,
including:
- Stimulating protein anabolism in debilitating illness and in acute renal
failure
- Promoting growth in children with pituitary dwarfism and other growth
disorders
- The retention of nitrogen and calcium may benefit patients with
Osteoporosis and patients receiving corticosteroid therapy
- May stimulate bone marrow function in hypoplastic anaemia
However, when abused, anabolic steroids can have serious side
effects. Athletes and body builders aiming to improve their strength, stamina,
speed or body size have always abused them. Steroids appear to work by
decreasing the amount of time necessary for recovering between bouts of
exercise. Because of this, trainees can exercise more often, or more intensely,
without overwhelming the body�s ability to adapt, or over-training.
Over a period of time, the gland that is responsible for the
natural production and release of the hormone atrophies in steroid users. This
is because their abundant presence in the bloodstream sends signals to various
organs and tissues, just like the hormones. Glands also become weak if not used,
just like our muscles.
Side Effects of Steroids
Some side effects of steroids (anabolic) are irreversible and they may
not be noticed until it is too late.
- Hormonal system
- Men
- Infertility
- Breast development
- Shrinking of the testicles
- Women
- Enlargement of the clitoris
- Excessive growth of body hair
- Both sexes
- Male-pattern baldness
- Musculoskeletal system
- Short stature
- Tendon rupture
- Cardiovascular system
- Heart attacks
- Enlargement of the heart�s left ventricle
- Liver
- Skin
- Acne and cysts
- Oily scalp
- Infection
- Psychiatric effects
- Homicidal rage
- Mania
- Delusions
Anabolic Steroid Abuse
Steroids in Sport
Athletes take steroids to push their bodies past their
limits. Athletes, young or old, professional or amateur, always look to gain an
advantage over their opponents. Taking steroids gives them an edge, increasing
muscle mass and body strength.
Steroid use is most commonly seen in:
- Football or baseball players, wrestlers � players of sports that depend
on strength and size
- Track and field athletes and swimmers � those who need endurance
- Bodybuilders
- Any person interested in building and developing their muscles
It is important to understand that using steroids does not
increase skill, agility and performance. These are determined by many factors,
including genetics, body size, age, sex, diet, and how hard the athlete trains.
Anabolic steroids are not legal in organized sports. Most
professional and amateur sports organizations and medical associations ban
anabolic steroids. Athletes who test positive for steroids will be suspended
or disqualified and may lose their chance to compete in their sport. Barry
Bonds, the San Francisco Giants slugger is the latest sports celebrity involved
in the federal probe of steroids used in baseball.
Other reasons for steroid abuse
Many buy steroids on the black market without a doctor�s
prescription. One reason people give for taking steroids is to increase their
muscle size and / or reduce body fat. This group includes people who have muscle
dysmorphia, a behavioral syndrome in which people have distorted images of their
bodies. Sometimes, people who have experienced physical or sexual abuse take
steroids to boost muscle size. Adolescents abuse steroids as a part of a pattern
of high-risk behaviors. Despite these commonly cited reasons, researchers agree
that most steroid abusers do not have psychological problems when they start
abusing the drugs.
Commonly abused steroids
- Oral steroids
- Anadrol (oxymetholone)
- Oxandrin (oxandrolone)
- Dianabol (methandrostenolone)
- Winstrol (stanozolol)
- Injectable steroids
- Deca-Durabolin (nandrolone decanoate)
- Durabolin (nandrolone phenpropionate)
- Depo-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate)
- Equipoise (boldenone undecyclenate)
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